Tag: Courts
Crown Court victims granted free access to sentencing remarks in ‘victory’ for campaigners
"Today’s announcement is a victory for the brave survivors of the Open Justice For All campaign, and a crucial, welcome step towards real transparency in our courts."
Our justice system is too broken to deliver on its promises
In 2026, victims have more rights than ever but accessing justice has never been harder.
Written submission to the Justice Select Committee: Criminal Court Reforms
This page contains the Victims' Commissioner's written submission to the Justice Select Committee on the reform of the Criminal Court (Non-Inquiry session).
Fewer than half of victims believe they can get justice, finds Victims’ Commissioner
The Victims' Commissioner's landmark victim survey reveals widespread low confidence in the justice system: fewer than half of victims (42%) believe they can get justice, while just 46% are confident in its effectiveness and only 51% in its fairness.
Letter to Sir Brian Leveson, Chair of the Independent Review of Criminal Courts – Leveson Part 2
Baroness Newlove has written to Sir Brian Leveson with suggestions for the second part of his Independent Review of the Criminal Courts and highlighting concerns that recent progress on victims' rights could be undermined.
Disabled victims face hurdles at every step of the justice process, Victims’ Commissioner review finds
An independent review – commissioned by the Victims’ Commissioner and undertaken by a leading academic – highlights the ways in which criminal justice systems fall short in supporting Disabled victims and sets out practical reforms.
Victims’ Commissioner backs Law Commission’s call for major courtroom reforms in rape cases
Proposed measures include introducing legal advice and representation for complainants, reform of rules of evidence to address myths and misconceptions about sexual violence, and specialist sexual offences courts.
Leveson review welcomed, but victims still face years of delays
“There is no credible alternative – but even this may fall short of what’s truly needed,” says Baroness Newlove as she calls for greater investment in court capacity and victim support.
Yet another grim milestone as Crown Court backlog reaches unprecedented levels
“Victims should not bear the burden alone” – Commissioner sounds alarm as key services face closure amid funding cuts despite record Crown Court backlog.
Letter to the Lord Chancellor: Sentencing Review
In a letter to the Lord Chancellor about proposals made in the Sentencing Review, the Victims’ Commissioner warns that some proposals risk putting prison capacity above victim and public safety.